Remote Control Active NFC Reader for TV Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Television sets lack NFC capabilities, making it impractical to use NFC-enabled devices for transactions due to the short communication range, which prevents seamless interactions like purchases or access control without physical proximity.
Innovation Solution
A remote control with an integrated active NFC reader that can communicate with both active and passive NFC devices, enabling the transmission of information to a television receiver for transactions, such as purchases or access control, without requiring the user to physically interact with the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC communication range is kept short (a few centimeters), then security and unintentional use prevention are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because users must physically place the device very close to the television set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control as an intermediary device between the NFC-enabled mobile device and the television set. The remote control contains an NFC reader that can communicate with NFC devices, and a transmitter that sends commands to the television. This mediator extends the effective communication range beyond the direct NFC range, allowing users to perform transactions without physically placing their mobile device close to the TV while maintaining NFC security.
2Device complexity
If television sets do not have NFC interface, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because NFC-enabled devices cannot be used for transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control is designed with multi-functionality, combining NFC reader capabilities, transmitter functions, and compatibility with various NFC devices (mobile phones, tablets, wearables). This universal remote control enables television sets without built-in NFC to work with multiple NFC-enabled devices, providing adaptability without requiring the TV itself to have complex NFC integration.
3Length of stationary object
If active NFC mode is used, then communication range is extended, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control's NFC reader can dynamically adjust its operating mode between active and passive based on the detected device type and communication requirements. When communicating with mobile devices, it uses active mode to extend range. The system can switch between modes to optimize energy consumption while maintaining the needed communication range for different scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to perform transactions, like purchases or access services, directly from their television set without leaving their seat, by allowing NFC-enabled devices to communicate with the television receiver through the remote control, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A passive NFC device, such as a tag, a smart card or a simple chip affixed to an object contains information only readable by other NFC-enabled devices. A passive NFC device is powered by the electromagnetic field generated by a reader (active device)
Implementation Method 2
when the smartphone detects an electromagnetic field, it can access the secure memory and a corresponding device having NFC capacities will be able to read information in passive mode from the secure memory
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control for controlling a receiver associated with the remote control, such as a television. The remote control comprises a communication mechanism for communicating with the receiver, an active NFC reader for communicating with an active or passive NFC device, and a mechanism for transmitting the information received from the NFC device to the receiver. The remote control allows the use of a near field communication (NFC) portable device (e.g., card or smartphone) for transactions using a receiver.